10 minute read
Main Feature
Personal Pieces, Loved By Us:
A Homes & Interiors Special
If you’re a fan of renovating, decorating or scatter cushion arranging, with a passion for high-quality homewares and all things interiors, then we’re sure that the 23rd of October is already firmly pencilled into your diary (if not, prepare to pencil!) as it’s the Isle of Wight’s very first Homes & Interiors Show. For one day only, East Afton Farmhouse (one of the Island’s newest and most prestigious venues) will be transformed as the finest home furnishing and lifestyle companies move in to showcase their brands, offer expert advice, and provide more inspiration than you can shake a bolster cushion at. As the date edges nearer preparations are already well underway, with exhibitors polishing up their ornaments, crafters curating their collections, and the farmhouse kitchen bracing itself for the succession of interactive demonstrations scheduled for the big day. So, pack that tape measure and invite your homewarehungry friends. Entry is free and it’s already shaping up to be an unmissable event this autumn.
In the meantime, to help those weeks whizz by between now and then, we’re calling in on some of our stylish friends and partners from across the Island to create this pre-show feature just for you. Meet the talented people behind these brands as they share an item or two from their collections. These are products they personally love, which mean something to them, or which help to tell their story as a business. Décor browsing commence!
“There are so many choices but I always recommend the ‘Vibrant Bamboo Throw’ with its dazzling blue colour. Not just a pretty face, it’s soft and luxurious to feel, extremely versatile, and stunning in any room. We sell out of them every time we get them in! Made from organic cotton and sustainable bamboo, it can be popped in the wash and come out like new every time. Also available in sunset yellow from September!”
XV Stripes - Izzey Hung
The first port of call is Wheatsheaf Lane in Yarmouth, home to Izzey Hung’s soft-furnishing brand, XV Stripes. Stepping inside her snug stone-built showroom, she’s quick to show us two of her favourite designs.
XV Stripes Bamboo & Cotton Throw £89
XV Stripes Signature Oxford Cushion £95
“Next is our ‘Signature Oxford Cushion’ featuring imagery from around the Isle of Wight from lobster pots and anchors to rope floats and buoys. I love it for the layering of the design, which includes over 25 hand-drawn pieces of artwork. It was our first sell-out piece and as soon as it’s in stock it goes again. It’s made in the UK, using 100% sustainable cotton, and filled with a super soft duck feather insert.”
W Hurst & Son - Lucy Radford (Buyer)
Next, we’re off to Newport’s Holyrood Street to speak to Lucy Radford, head buyer at W Hurst & Son. Serving the Island since 1859, the business is best known for its unbelievably comprehensive range of hardware — but with Lucy’s eye for standout kitchenalia, the homeware is certainly worth a look too.
Le Creuset Stoneware Mug £12.95
First up is this Le Creuset stoneware mug (which Lucy has a personal soft spot for), crafted using specialist clays and bright, beautiful glazes — all fired at the highest temperatures. She tells us: “It’s a quality brand, on-trend and great for gifting too. We’re also really proud to say that Le Creuset is exclusive to Hurst on the Isle of Wight.” So if you fancy browsing the full range, you know just the place to go. The Country Candle Company Fresh Cut Herbs Reed Diffuser £17.95
Lucy’s second choice takes an aromatic turn as she produces the ‘Fresh Cut Herbs’ reed diffuser from The Country Candle Co. Handmade in Farringdon, Hampshire, this fresh and welcoming scent is made by combining eight different botanicals including bergamot, basil, spearmint, and tarragon. She explains: “It’s a brand built on passion for home fragrance and we love that it’s made by hand in the UK as well.”
This & That - Maureen Warren (Owner)
Over to Maureen Warren at Seaview’s This & That, whose interiors ethos is to fill your home with things you love and things that make you smile. Famed for her artfully staged Pier Street window displays, this shop is not to be missed on any statement piece sourcing trip.
Monkey Lamp £85 “When I first set up the shop two and a half years ago, I wanted to stock these candles from day one. Someone had bought one for me a few years before as a present and I just loved it. As it burns down it changes the look of the candle completely; I’ve still got some at home now. They’re handmade in the UK and I’ve even been to meet the family and see where the candles are made.”
Maiden Curve Candle £40
“I absolutely adore these. We’ve had animal lamps in the shop ever since we first opened. I think they’re really unusual but still go well in any home (I have a flamingo lamp in my own house). The monkey and hippo lamps are really good fun and popular buys with our This & That customers.”
Shorelines of Cowes - Clairey Meadowcroft (Owner)
For something more nautical we weigh anchor and set sail for Cowes, where a turquoise shopfront displaying coastal cards and seaside ceramics announces we’ve arrived at Shorelines. Inside, owner Clairey Meadowcroft shows us around, pointing out her favourite items, each with a bit of a backstory.
Jellycat Baby Wilbur Whale
“Jellycat was founded in London in 1999 and the previous owners of Shorelines subsequently placed their first order, paving the way for a strong and long-term trading relationship. We admire the superb quality of the fabric and manufacturing, the ethics of the company, and the innovative and imaginative designs. Wilbur is adorable with his cordy tummy and velvet-soft back and remains a firm favourite with customers. From the feedback we receive, we’re aware that these luxurious and quirky toys aren’t just for children’s bedrooms, but the fabulous fruits and vegetables are great additions to kitchens and the octopi (often draped over sofa arms) offer great comfort to both adults and children.”
Chilly’s Sea Life Turtle 500ml Bottle
Amongst the characterful arts and crafts studios of Arreton Barns is the Isle of Wight Glass Museum — home to an unrivalled collection of Isle of Wight art glass (as well as items from the rest of the UK and the Continent too). Chatting to the director, Anton Doroszenko, we ask him which of the retail pieces he’s most passionate about and soon enough we’re whisked away to see a standout piece of contemporary British studio glass.
Sparkling and sophisticated, Anton presents us with a trio of autumn-hued candlesticks, made (and signed) by British glass artist Paul Barcroft in the 1990s. He explains: “These candlesticks illustrate what handmade studio glass can be at its best: a showcase of elegance in design, good choice of materials, and high technical skills. Each piece is made in six different parts and creating a set of three means each candlestick has to match as closely as possible with its companions — a challenge in itself!” Located in Cowes, a gateway to the Solent, many of our customers are passionate about sailing, the ocean, and sea life. To celebrate World Ocean Day, Chilly’s Water
Bottles launched their ‘Sea Life’ edition with a view to raising awareness about plastic pollution in our oceans.
We’ve been so impressed by our customers seeking alternatives to single-use plastic bottles and polystyrene cups and this turtle design has been our best-selling bottle for the last four years!”
Set of Paul Barcroft Studio Glass Candlestick Holders £300
Yarmouth Art Gallery - Anne Toms (Owner)
Meanwhile, in West Wight, we never need much of an excuse to slip in through the doors of Yarmouth Art Gallery, called in by the peaceful ambience and dramatic spotlights. Here you’ll find the work of a curated collection of local and British painters, sculptors, and ceramicists, brought together by Anne Toms (an artist herself) and offering the perfect opportunity to discover something that’s truly one-of-a-kind, whether it stands on a bookcase or hangs on a wall.
Penny Rich Ceramics ‘Bells’ £295
“This ceramic hanging by Island artist, Penny Rich, is simply titled ‘Bells’. Each element is fashioned from clay, skilfully modelled and fired before mounting to create a sculptural piece that rings of the ocean, of shells, and salty flotsam. Hung in any home it would instantly evoke a maritime theme.” Anne’s second choice comes complete with paws and a set of whiskers, she explains: “Individually made and each with its own fun appeal, I fell in love with these ceramic cats by Emily Stracey. These darling, naughty-looking creatures bring a smile to my face and look great in a group too. Emily lives and works just across the water from Yarmouth Gallery, in Bournemouth.”
Acacia Bay - Richard & Lesley (Owners)
Shanklin High Street is the location for Acacia Bay, an ‘emporium of unexpected delights’, run by Richard McGee and Lesley Cornwall. Not only do they provide a unique assemblage of relaxed, natural, and pared-back items, but also offer handmade bespoke furniture, carved from driftwood by Richard himself.
First up, Lesley shows us the stunning range of handcrafted rattan lampshades, dotted across the showroom ceiling. “These eco-friendly shades give a gorgeous natural finish. I love the organic design. A great fit for any interior style, especially minimalist schemes, and they’re also available in black.” Blue Towel with Tassels £19.50
Rattan Pendant Lampshades £52 - £225 Their 100% recycled cotton towels (with added tassels) take the second spot. Thinner than traditional towels, they take up less space and dry more quickly too — ideal for use as a bathroom or a beach towel. Richard explains: “Both these items are reflective of the Acacia Bay style of living, sourcing sustainable items from around the world that show off our relaxed and natural passion for home styling.”
Long Lane Flooring - Victoria Connor (Co-Owner)
Finally, we end our tour up at Acorn Barn on the outskirts of Newport. Meeting us at the door is Victoria Connor, co-owner of Long Lane Flooring, ready to show us some striking tiles from Wiltshire-based family firm Ca’ Pietra. “We have loads that I love but these two are genuinely (possibly) my favourite.”
Ca’ Pietra - Cabana New Orleans tiles £93.90/m2
Ca’ Pietra - Parisian Tri tiles £93.30/m2
Named ‘Cabana New Orleans’, this striking design from Ca’ Pietra supposedly pays homage to the decorative tiles found in traditional Caribbean buildings. Victoria says: “These eclectic, vividpatterned pink tiles make me feel so happy. They’re just so ‘extra’ that I can’t help but love them.” Great for bringing the sunshine inside or introducing a West Indian flavour to those bathrooms in need of a colour injection. “Parisian Tri is definitely an all-time favourite. I love how the simple geometric design can create virtually infinite laying patterns meaning no two rooms will be alike.” Based on the encaustic cement tile designs typically found in the chic cafés of Paris, they’re strong, versatile, and come with a low-slip finish too.
